Ajax are set to lose a number of key players this summer with Hakim Ziyech and Donny van de Beek two of the stars being linked with moves elsewhere.

According to Marca, Ajax have set their sights on Ødegaard as a summer recruit and are willing to spend up to €20 million on the midfielder. That would break the previous transfer record of €16 million paid for Daley Blind.

Real Madrid do not want to lose the midfielder permanently as chairman Florentino Perez still believes in the Norwegian’s qualities.

However, Ajax are hoping to convince Ødegaard, who is currently on loan with Vitesse Arnhem, that remaining in the Netherlands is better for his development.

Ødegaard likes the Eredivisie, having turned down a loan move to a Spanish club in the summer in order to sign for Vitesse as he believes the league suits his game.

This season the 20-year-old has seven goals and six assists in 25 appearances.